Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Pedro Neto but could be forced into a three-way bidding war with Liverpool and Arsenal also keen.
Ange Postecoglou has revolutionised our style of play, implementing a brand of football that resonates with the supporters and also has the team challenging for a top-four rebirth.
Like any other side, we’ve faltered occasionally this season, but we’re still within touching distance of the Champions League places, sitting five points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa with a game in hand.
Thus far, Postecoglou has left the club hierarchy impressed by his instant impact at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and they have already begun summer plans to reinforce the team.
Our front line was heavily disrupted last summer when Harry Kane decided to move on, but Son Heung-min has shouldered the talismanic burden while Richarlison is finally scoring goals.
However, none of that was enough to save us from a massively disappointing 2-1 defeat against Wolves in front of the home crowd.
Interestingly, our summer target Neto proved to be a difference maker in the historic clash, setting up Joao Gomes for the winner as Wolves clinched their third successive win over Spurs for the first time.
However, the interest in Neto transcends his performance against us. The 23-year-old is one of the most exciting talents in the Premier League, and it’s only a matter of time before he moves on to one of the “big six” teams.
Neto is enjoying his best-ever campaign in a Wolves shirt, netting three times and setting up 11 assists in 20 games across all competitions. He has also created seven big chances in the Premier League.
The Portuguese star is spearheading Wolves’ resurgence under Gary O’Neil’s leadership, so it’s unsurprising that the top teams have rekindled their interest in his services.
For a while, Arsenal have been considered Neto’s likeliest landing spot, but we’re also in the front row among clubs lining up to lure the exciting winger away from Molineux Stadium.
Recognising the interest in their prized jewel, Wolves have slapped an £80 million price tag on Neto. But we shouldn’t be pursuing such a deal, and especially not at that price.
Forking out such a significant amount for a player who has a hugely concerning injury record could come back to bite us, even though he has the ability to elevate our final-third prowess to new heights.
Over the past two seasons, Neto has struggled with fitness issues. An ankle and knee injury, respectively, have kept him out for a combined 79 games, and he has already spent 58 days on the sidelines this season, missing nine matches.
Despite his goal contributions thus far, his alarming injury record is a clear indication that we’re better off investing the £80m somewhere else – perhaps on Raphinha, who we’ve also been linked to.
The Barcelona forward is a more finished product and a seasoned veteran experienced at scoring goals and creating chances at will. If an elite winger is our priority this summer, Raphinha fits that description.
Neto may have a higher ceiling than his Brazilian counterpart, considering he’s only 23, but a player of Raphinha’s skill set instantly elevates our attacking firepower.